Marine Fisheries Executive Assistant for Councils

State of North Carolina•Marine Fisheries HQ Carteret, NC

12d•$67,122 - $87,667•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Assistant for Councils will serve on the DMF Director’s policy-level team. The position is the voting proxy representing North Carolina’s fisheries policy interests on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and coordinating, leading, and implementing policy level projects. The position provides fisheries policy representation for the DMF, the Department of Environmental Quality, the State of North Carolina, and its commercial and recreational fishing interests in ocean fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (3 to 200 miles offshore) from North Carolina as far south as the Florida Keys. The position provides policy level recommendations for the State of North Carolina regarding development of federal fishery management plans and potential impacts to North Carolina fishery resources, in consultation with the DMF Director and Marine Fisheries Commission. The position reviews biological, social, and economic impacts of federal and interstate fishery management plans for approval and recommendation to the full SAFMC with subsequent approval by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This position also takes part in public hearings for input and review of proposed regulations to implement recommended management measures and serves on multiple SAFMC committees and boards. This position requires a minimum of four weeks’ additional travel per year but can require more than 8 weeks of federally/interstate-required travel per year, including weekends and holidays. This position assists the DMF in implementing various state fisheries management mandates and serves in a consulting capacity in daily fisheries policy management decisions. The person in this position will represent the DMF director at interstate and interagency meetings and serve on boards, committees and/or task forces and other such assignments, as needed. This position will coordinate, lead, and implement policy for the state and division including, but not limited to, state, regional and national fisheries policy and initiatives. A successful candidate must have the skills and abilities to use a methodical and logical approach to address internal and external customer inquiries and to build effective working relationships. The ability to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment is a must. Experience negotiating marine fisheries regulation, policies, and management programs among varied groups of policy, agency, and the fishing public stakeholders is necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of progressive experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Skills and abilities to use a methodical and logical approach to address internal and external customer inquiries and to build effective working relationships.
Ability to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
Experience negotiating marine fisheries regulation, policies, and management programs among varied groups of policy, agency, and the fishing public stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Serve as the DMF Director’s proxy providing representation, for the DMF, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the State of North Carolina and its commercial and recreational fishing interests in ocean fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (3 to 200 miles offshore) from North Carolina as far south as the Florida Keys.
The council member remains in contact with the DMF Fisheries Director, for input, suggestions, or advice, and with staff biologists, the staff socioeconomics’ and representatives of the commercial and recreational fishing industry for input on biological, social, and economic aspects of plan development.
Coordinate with the DMF sections to develop DMF policies and positions on upcoming management issues at the SAFMC along with ensuring DMF staff are participating on committees and workgroups as required.
Assist the DMF with the implementation of various aspects of the N.C. Fisheries Reform Act and subsequent legislation, including Fishery Management development and implementation through the Directors Advisory Team.
Receives information and recommendations from all segments of the fishing public, the public, the biological staff, and the law enforcement officers on regulatory needs to help address fisheries management problems.